Revealed: Myanmar junta ‘crony’ given key role behind Fifa peace prize
In a surprising move that has raised eyebrows worldwide, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the creation of a new peace prize, with the inaugural award expected to be presented to former President Donald Trump. The announcement came just before Infantino’s meeting with Trump in Miami, prompting speculation about the motivations behind the timing. The newly established FIFA Peace Prize aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering peace and unity. Infantino’s statement emphasized that the award would recognize “special actions” taken to promote harmony among people, but it has also sparked controversy, particularly regarding the selection process for future winners.
Critics have pointed out the potential conflicts of interest inherent in allowing a committee associated with Trump to propose future recipients of the prize. Trump’s history, particularly his polarizing political career and controversial actions, raises questions about the legitimacy of awarding him a peace prize. Many observers are concerned that this initiative may dilute the significance of peace awards by associating them with figures who have not universally championed peace. Infantino’s decision to partner with Trump, who has been embroiled in various contentious issues during and after his presidency, has led to skepticism about the sincerity of the award’s purpose and its impact on FIFA’s reputation.
As FIFA seeks to position itself as a promoter of peace through this initiative, the organization faces the challenge of ensuring that the prize is awarded to individuals who genuinely embody its mission. The criteria for selection and the integrity of the process will be under scrutiny, especially given the controversial nature of the inaugural recipient. Observers are watching closely to see how this new award will unfold and whether it can genuinely contribute to the ideals of peace and unity that it purports to celebrate.
Inaugural prize expected to be handed to Donald Trump but ‘process’ for choosing future winners to be proposed by controversial tycoon’s committee
It was the timing that set off the first alarm bells. With Donald Trump brooding over missing out on the Nobel peace prize, and shortly before Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body, Fifa, was due to meet the US president in Miami, an announcement was made.
In a press release and a post on his personal Instagram account last month, Infantino said Fifa would launch its very own peace prize, to be awarded each year to “individuals who help unite people in peace through unwavering commitment and special actions”.
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